October 19/09 11:05 am - Remington 'Cross for Kids

While Alberta's "winter in October", which created sub-zero, snowy racing at the National Championships in Edmonton last weekend, may have abated somewhat, the effect of the recent cold weather was evident at Sunday's Remington 'Cross for Kids cyclo-cross race in Calgary.

The race shared the venue with an open ski hill, as the folks at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary had furiously made snow during the cold weather. In doing so, COP had obliterated the planned race course. Things turned out for the best, however, as course-design maestro Keith Bayly was granted access to a previously closed (to cross racing) area of the park, and was able to create a deliciously fun course of twisty corners on grass, paved climbs, and the now-obligatory pit of sand.

The 2 km circuit led to close racing, particularly in the Sport and Expert categories. In the headline categories, Mical Dyck (Trek Toronto/Terrascape) handily won the Women's race, while Ryan Hopping (United Cycle) spent the entire Open race at the front, taking the win in front of Saturday winner Chris McNeil (H&R Block/Kona) and Andre Sutton (Hardcore).

The race was hosted by Midweek Mayhem, Calgary's interclub group offering Tuesday night Criterium and Cyclo-cross racing, and raised funds for the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta.

Alberta's cyclo-cross circuit moves back to Edmonton and area next weekend for the Devon Dairy Queen Double Dipper and the Pedalhead Super Prestige.